Updates on Overcoming Bicalutamide Resistance: A Glimpse into Resistance to a Novel Antiandrogen.

The standard androgen deprivation therapy for advanced prostate cancer includes the use of bicalutamide, which is a well-known antagonist of androgen receptors. Despite numerous benefits of the drugs in prostate cancer treatment, there is always a risk of developing a resistant phenotype, which paves the way for a more aggressive and low-survival type of prostate cancer. Over the years, many studies have investigated the candidate mechanisms of such resistance and have managed to find possible therapeutic solutions. In this Review, we shed light on the heterogeneous dynamics of progression to resistance against bicalutamide treatment, referring to the most recent studies and the approaches that have been so far discussed. This Review tries to offer a deep and comprehensive understanding about how the resistant cells become sensitive to the drug and what corresponding pathways lead to an appropriate solution for the antiandrogen resistance challenge.

Association between meal frequency with anthropometric measures and blood pressure in Iranian children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the association of meal frequency with anthropometric measures and blood pressure in Iranian children and adolescents. METHODS: In this national survey, 14,880 students with 6-18 years of age were selected by stratified multistage sampling method from urban and rural regions of 30 provinces of Iran. Meal frequency was assessed by a questionnaire prepared based on global school-based student health survey. Physical measurements included height, weight, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). RESULTS: The participation rate was 90.6% including 49.24% girls and 75.5% urban residents. Skipping breakfast and dinner were more frequent in girls than in boys (71.6% vs. 64.1%, 91.2% vs. 86.9%, respectively, P<0.05). Overweight, obesity, and abdominal obesity were more prevalent in those who had two meals, one meal, or very low intake (P<0.001) than those had three meals. There were no significant differences in SBP, DBP, and blood pressure across to different meal frequency groups (P>0.05). Students who had very low intake and one meal per week had a higher risk of abdominal obesity compared with those who had three meals (OR 1.7, 95% CI: 1.3-2.3, and OR 1.6, 95% CI: 1.4-2.0, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: An inverse significant association between higher meal frequency and anthropometric indices was observed. Therefore, encouraging children and adolescents for regular meal intake should be considered as a health priority in the pediatric population.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Predictive Models in Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Aim: Accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) has a fundamental role in clinical and patient care. Recent advances in diagnostic testing and marker lead to standardized interpretation and increased prescription by clinicians to improve the detection of clinically significant PCa and select patients who strictly require targeted biopsies. Methods: In this study, we present a systematic review of the overall diagnostic accuracy of each testing panel regarding the panel details. In this meta-analysis, using a structured search, Web of Science and PubMed databases were searched up to 23 September 2019 with no restrictions and filters. The study's outcome was the AUC and 95% confidence interval of prediction models. This index was reported as an overall and based on the WHO region and models with/without MRI. Results: The thirteen final articles included 25,691 people. The overall AUC and 95% CI in thirteen studies were 0.78 and 95% CI: 0.73-0.82. The weighted average AUC in the countries of the Americas region was 0.73 (95% CI: 0.70-0.75), and in European countries, it was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.72-0.88). In four studies with MRI, the average weighted AUC was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.86-0.90), while in other articles where MRI was not a parameter in the diagnostic model, the mean AUC was 0.73 (95% CI: 0.70-0.76). Conclusions: The present study's findings showed that MRI significantly improved the detection accuracy of prostate cancer and had the highest discrimination to distinguish candidates for biopsy.

Association of Alanine Aminotransferase With Different Metabolic Phenotypes of Obesity in Children and Adolescents: The CASPIAN-V Study.

Aim: To determine the association of alanine aminotransferase with different metabolic phenotypes of obesity in a nationally- representative sample of Iranian children and adolescents. Methods: This national study was conducted in the framework of the fifth survey of a national surveillance program entitled Childhood and Adolescence Surveillance and Prevention of Adult Non-communicable Disease study. Participants consisted of 4,200 subjects aged 7-18 years, who were recruited by multistage random cluster sampling from 30 provinces in Iran. They were categorized to normal weight and obese groups and in each group those with and without MetS components. Results: Overall, 3,843 of participants completed the survey (response rate: 91.5%). Their mean (SD) age was 12.58 (3.15) years; 52.6% were boys, and 72.7% lived in urban areas. Mean of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in subjects with abdominal obesity and general obesity was 8.81 (95% CI: 7.99-9.62) (IU/L) and 8.87 (95% CI: 7.28-10.46) (IU/L), respectively. According to the adjusted model, one unit increment in ALT increased odds of being metabolically non-healthy obese (MNHO) by 2% compared to metabolically healthy non-obese (MHNO) [adj.OR (95% CI): 1.02 (1.01-1.04)]. Also, subjects in the third and fourth quartiles of serum ALT had significantly greater odds of being MNHO than those in its first quartile [Q3/Q1: adj. OR (95% CI): 3.85 (1.70-8.71); Q4/Q1: Adj. OR (95% CI): 3.63 (1.51-8.73)]. Conclusion: This large population-based study revealed significant associations between metabolic phenotypes of obesity and ALT level.

Is frequency of potato and white rice consumption associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents: the CASPIAN-V study.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the association of frequency of potato and rice consumption with cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents. METHODS: This nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted on 14,400 children and adolescents. Fasting blood was obtained from a sub-sample of 4200 randomly selected students. Physical examination and laboratory tests were conducted under standard protocols. Metabolic Syndrome (Mets) was defined based on the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria modified for the pediatric age group. The self-reported frequency consumption of white rice and potato was reported on a daily or non-daily basis. RESULTS: The participation rate for the whole study and for blood sampling were 99 and 91.5%, respectively. Overall, 49.4% of the participants were girls while 50.6% were boys. The frequency of daily consumption of white rice and potato was 84.4 and 21.3%, respectively. In the multivariable linear regression model, daily consumption of potato increased body mass index (ß: 0.05, SE: 0.20, p = 0.010), waist (ß: 0.63, SE: 0.24, p = 0.008), and hip circumferences (ß: 0.62, SE: 0.26, p = 0.019). Moreover, in the multivariable logistic regression, daily consumption of potato was significantly associated with an increased risk of overweight (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.04-1.39, P = 0.012). The potato and rice consumption had no statistically significant association with other cardiometabolic risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Daily consumption of potato was significantly associated with higher anthropometric measures, whereas rice consumption had no statistically significant association with cardiometabolic risk factors. Future research to examine the possible obesogenic effects of intake of potato on children and adolescents is recommended.

Subgrouping of Iranian children and adolescents based on cardiometabolic risk factors using latent class analysis: The CASPIAN-V study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiometabolic syndrome indicates the clustering of several risk factors. The aims of this study were to identify the subgroups of the Iranian children and adolescents on the basis of the components of the cardio-metabolic syndrome and assess the role of demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status and lifestyle-related behaviors on the membership of participants in each latent class. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on 3730 Iranian students in 2015 using stratified cluster. All students in each class completed anonymous and structured questionnaires. Abdominal obesity, high triglyceride (TG), low high-density lipoprotein (HDL), high blood pressure (BP), high fasting blood sugar (FBS), high low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high cholesterol and obesity were used for assessing the pattern of cardio metabolic risk as a latent variable. Data analysis was performed using PROC LCA in SAS software. RESULTS: Four latent classes were identified in this study; namely 1) healthy (59.6%), 2) low risk (20.4%), 3) moderate risk (13.7%) and 4) high risk (6.4%). Being a female (OR=0.59, 95% CI: 0.46-0.74), living in a rural area (OR=0.45, 95% CI;0.33-0.60), high screen time (OR=1.56, 95% CI:1.09-2.24), and parental obesity (OR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.18-1.95) were associated with moderate risk class. Only living in rural areas (OR=0.71, 95% CI; 0.51-0.99) was associated with high risk class. CONCLUSION: About 20% of the students are in the moderate risk and high risk classes. Design and implement interventions according to risk-based class that seem necessary by considering probably risk and protective factors for the prevention of complications of cardiometabolic syndrome.

Association of meal skipping with subjective health complaints in children and adolescents: the CASPIAN-V study.

PURPOSE: Few studies have assessed the relationship between meal skipping with subjective health complaints in children and adolescents. The aim of our study was to determine the association between meal skipping and subjective health complaints in this population. METHODS: A total of 14,400 students aged 7-18 years were selected using multistage stratified cluster sampling method from 30 provinces of Iran. Data were collected as a part of the fifth national school-based surveillance program (CASPIAN-V) in Iran. Information about students' lifestyle, health behaviours, health status and health complaints were gathered through a validated questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation) age of participants was 12.3 (3.2) years old. Breakfast skipping was associated with increased odds of stomachache (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.56, 2.00), backache (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.46, 1.92), difficulty in getting to sleep (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.48, 1.86), feeling nervous (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.43, 1.76) and irritability (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.02, 1.25). There were 27, 63, 58 and 107% increase in odds of headache, stomachache, backache and difficulty in getting to sleep by lunch skipping, respectively. While dinner skipping was related to 39, 59 and 52% increase in odds of headache, feeling low and difficulty in getting to sleep, respectively, it was associated with decreased odds of stomachache (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.25, 0.44). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that meal skipping is associated with some somatic and psychological health complaints among children; therefore, regular meal consumption, at least three times a day, is highly recommended in this population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V, cross-sectional descriptive study.

Association between junk food consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors in a national sample of Iranian children and adolescents population: the CASPIAN-V study.

AIMS: Only a few studies have attempted to assess the relationship between junk food consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors in Iranian children and adolescents; therefore, the aim of our study was to determine the association between junk food intake and cardiometabolic risk factors in this population. STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study. METHODS: A total of 14,400 students were selected from 30 provinces of Iran using multistage, stratified cluster sampling method. Information about student's lifestyle, health behaviors and health status was obtained through a validated questionnaire. Blood pressure was measured and anthropometric indices were calculated. Blood samples were drawn from 3,303 students for biochemical tests. In our study, sugar-sweetened beverages, salty snacks, sweets and fast foods were considered as junk foods. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 12.42 ± 2.97 years. Those with metabolic syndrome were more likely to live in urban areas (P = 0.004) and have higher BMI (P < 0.0001). Junk food intake was not related to metabolic syndrome; however, it was associated with increased odds of high BP (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.09, 1.39), high SBP (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.09, 1.75), and high DBP (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.04, 1.35), overweight (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.08, 1.39) and excess weight (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.04, 1.25). CONCLUSIONS: Junk food consumption plays an important role in childhood overweight and is related to high blood pressure in this population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, case-control analytic studies.

Socioeconomic inequality in cardio-metabolic risk factors in a nationally representative sample of Iranian adolescents using an Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition method: the CASPIAN-III study.

OBJECTIVES: The present research was conducted aiming at assessing the association of socioeconomic inequality in the prevalence of risk factors associated with cardio-metabolic disorders in a sample population of nationally representative Iranian adolescents and to identify its influencing factors. METHODS: This study was conducted as part of a national-based surveillance program performed on 5625 individuals aged 10-18 years in 27 provinces in Iran. To determine the socioeconomic status (SES) of participants, we defined a new variable by applying the principal component analysis. Doing so, the socioeconomic inequality in cardio-metabolic risk factors was examined over the tertiles of SES using concentration index (C). Then, Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition analysis was carried out in order to decide upon the roots of inequality in the health system. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation) age of participants was 14.73 (2.41) years. The prevalence of cardio-metabolic parameters had considerable difference across SES tertiles. Elevated fasting blood glucose (FBG), elevated triglycerides (TG), abdominal obesity, elevated total cholesterol (TC), and metabolic syndrome (MetS) increased linearly by increasing SES tertiles. C index for depressed high density lipoprotein- cholesterol (HDL-C) was negative, which was suggestive of inequality in favor of high SES groups and for other cardio-metabolic parameters, it was positive, which indicate inequality was in favor of the lowest SES groups. The highest gap between the first and third tertiles of socioeconomic was for frequency of abdominal obesity; 13.18% of the lowest SES groups and 20.11% of the highest SES groups had abdominal obesity which accounts 6.93% gap in favor of the highest SES groups. The living area could be named as the main variables standing for the inequality of elevated FBS, elevated LDL-c, low HDL-c and abdominal obesity frequency between the first and the last SES group. In addition, BMI could stand as the main independent variable explaining the gap in elevated TG, elevated TC, elevated BP and MetS prevalence across the lowest and the highest SES group. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed the considerable inequality in the prevalence of cardio-metabolic risk factors between the highest and the lowest SES groups of Iranian adolescents. Living area and BMI are the two main factors which explained inequality in prevalence of cardio metabolic risk factors between SES groups. These estimations could provide health policy markers with practical information for future complementary analyses.

Decomposition of passive smoking inequality in Iranian children and adolescents: the CASPIAN-V Study.

To investigate the socioeconomic inequality in passive smoking in Iranian children and adolescents. Through a multistage random cluster sampling method, a representative sample of 14,400 school students, aged 6-18 years, were enrolled from urban and rural areas of 30 provinces of Iran. Using a non-linear principal component analysis (NLPCA), the correlated variables were summarized as socioeconomic status (SES). Normalized concentration index (NCI) was used to measure inequality in passive smoking at national and regional SES levels. We decomposed total socioeconomic inequality in passive smoking into explanatory variables to identify the main contributors of inequality in passive smoking in the population studied. Data of 12,327 students and parents were complete for the current study. The response rate was 85.6% (50.9% boys, 71.2% urban residents). About 44% of Iranian students were exposed to passive smoking. The NCI for passive smoking at a national level was - 0.043 (95% confidence interval - 0.035, - 0.012), indicating that passive smoking was more concentrated among poorer children and adolescents. This inequality was statistically significant at a national level and in all regions except for regions with lower middle- and lowest SES levels. Considering the decomposition analysis, the household SES (63%), mothers' educational level (37%), fathers' educational level (29%), and school type (18%) made the largest positive contribution to inequality in passive smoking of children and adolescents. Passive smoking was distributed unequally among Iranian children and adolescents; it was more concentrated among socioeconomically disadvantaged families. Public health policies attentions should be given to reduce passive smoking among low SES children and adolescents living with illiterate or low-educated parents.

Passive smoking and cardiometabolic risk factors in Iranian children and adolescents: CASPIAN-V study.

BACKGROUND: Smoking behavior as a harmful trend among adolescents and young adults has increased over last two decades. Many children and adolescents are at the risk of "second-hand" smoking at home due to their exposure to parents' or siblings' smoking. These second hand smokers are called "passive smokers" and are at risk of several health complications like cardiometabolic risk factors. OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to evaluate the association between passive smoking and increase of cardiometabolic risk factors in a sample of Iranian's children and adolescents, aged 7-18 years. METHODS: This multicenter cross-sectional study was carried out over 14,400 students (aged 7-18 years). Blood sampling were randomly collected from a sub-sample of 4200 selected pupils. According to their degree of exposure to smoke for both cigarette and hookah, water pipes that are used to smoke specially made tobacco that comes in different flavors, all participants were divided to the two separate groups of positive and negative exposure. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as a constellation of at least three out of five cardiometabolic risk factors, including abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated fasting plasma glucose concentration, high serum levels of triglycerides (TG), and depressed high-density cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviation (SD) age of participants was 12.3 ± 2.24 years. 49.4% were girls and 71.4% of them were urban residents. The mean SD for BMI of participants was 18.5 (4.7) Kg/m2. The mean TG levels were considerably higher among passive smoker children and adolescents. MetS and being overweight were found to have a major association with passive smoking (OR 1.63 CI 95% 1.17-2.29 P Value 0.004 and OR 1.21 95% CI 1.06-1.37 P Value 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study confirms that passive smoking or second-hand smoking is linked with the increased prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors and places children and adolescents at a higher risk of being overweight. Preventive strategies could be incorporated against passive smoking to recognize it as a health priority among children and adolescents.

Association of alanine aminotransferase concentration with cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents: the CASPIAN-V cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that the levels of some liver enzymes, and especially alanine aminotransferase (ALT), might be correlatable with cardiometabolic risk factors. We investigated the relationship between ALT concentration and cardiometabolic risk factors among children and adolescents. DESIGN AND SETTING: This nationwide study in Iran was conducted within the framework of the fifth survey of a national surveillance program known as the Childhood and Adolescence Surveillance and PreventIon of Adult Non-communicable disease study (CASPIAN-V). METHODS: The participants comprised 4200 students aged 7-18 years, who were recruited through multi-stage random cluster sampling in 30 provinces in Iran. Physical examinations and laboratory tests were conducted in accordance with standard protocols. RESULTS: Overall, 3843 students (participation rate: 91.5%) completed the survey. Mean ALT levels were significantly higher in individuals with dyslipidemia, in terms of elevated total cholesterol (TC) or LDL-cholesterol or triglycerides (TG), excess weight and dyslipidemia. Some cardiometabolic risk factors were associated with higher levels of ALT, with the following odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI):metabolic syndrome (OR: 1.013; 95% CI: 1.001-1.025); elevated TC (OR: 1.060; 95% CI: 1.039-1.081), elevated LDL (OR: 1.031; 95% CI: 1.016-1.046), elevated TG (OR: 1.056; 95% CI: 1.040-1.072) and dyslipidemia (OR: 1.051; 95% CI: 1.034-1.068). CONCLUSION: This large population-based study revealed that some cardiometabolic risk factors were significantly associated with ALT levels. These findings suggest that an association with fatty liver is an underlying mechanism for development of cardiometabolic risk factors.

Association of sleep duration with metabolic syndrome and its components in children and adolescents; a propensity score-matched analysis: the CASPIAN-V study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the association of sleep duration with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in a pediatric population. METHODS: This multi-centric cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 in 30 provinces of Iran. Participants consisted of 4200 school students aged 7-18 years, studied in a national school-based surveillance program (CASPIAN-V). Physical examinations and laboratory tests were performed using standard protocols. The analysis was conducted based on the propensity score matching and conditional logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of short sleep (less than 8 h a day) and the onset of sleep with MetS and its components. Results of conditional logistic regression was reported as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Overall, 3843 of participants completed the survey (response rate: 91.5%). Their mean (SD) age was 12.3 (3.2) years and 50.6% were boys. In the multivariate model, individuals who slept less than 8 h a day had significantly higher odds of MetS (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.19-3.63) and high blood pressure (BP) (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.04-2.06). Association between short sleep duration with other MetS components (including abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia, and low levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Moreover, association between the onset of sleep with MetS and its components was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Short sleep duration is associated with increased risk of MetS and high BP in children and adolescents. The clinical impact of current findings should be assessed in future longitudinal studies.

Prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors in a nationally representative sample of Iranian children and adolescents: the CASPIAN-V Study.

Introduction: This study presents the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors in a nationally representative sample of Iranian children and adolescents. Methods: This multi-centric study was conducted in 2015 among 4200 students aged 7-18 years. They were selected by multistage cluster sampling from 30 provinces of Iran. Anthropometric indices, biochemical and clinical parameters were measured. Results: The mean of weight, height, waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) was higher in boys than in girls (P < 0.05). The mean of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were higher in girls than in boys (P < 0.05). The mean of weight, height, WC, SBP, DBP, alanine transaminase (ALT) and body mass index (BMI) was higher in urban than in rural residents (P < 0.05). Overall, 16.1%, 9.4% and 11.4% were underweight, overweight and obese. Abdominal obesity was documented in 21.6% of boys and 20.5% of girls. Low HDL-C was the most prevalent abnormality of lipid profile (29.5%) followed by high serum TGs (27.7%). Low HDL-C was more prevalent in boys than in girls (32.7% vs. 26%, respectively, P < 0.05). Prevalence of obesity and overweight were higher in girls than in boys (P < 0.05). The prevalence of obesity and overweight, abdominal obesity, and low HDL-C were higher in urban than in rural residents (P < 0.05). Conclusion: We found considerably high prevalence of some cardiometabolic risk factors including overweight and obesity, low HDL-C and hypertriglyceridemia in Iranian children and adolescents. The current findings underscore the necessity of intensifying health interventions for primordial and primary prevention of non-communicable diseases from early life.

Association of dietary patterns with continuous metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents; a nationwide propensity score-matched analysis: the CASPIAN-V study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the association of dietary patterns with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in children and adolescents. METHODS: This nationwide study was conducted in 2015 among 4200 students aged 7-18 years, who lived in 30 provinces in Iran. The analysis was conducted based on the propensity score using a matched case-control study design. Three dietary patterns were obtained conducting a principal component analysis with a varimax rotation on 16 dietary groups. Continuous MetS score was computed by standardizing the residuals (z-scores) of MetS components by regressing them according to age and sex. The gold standard diagnosis of MetS was considered based on the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Moreover, for the purpose of data analysis, matched logistics analysis was used. RESULTS: The study participants consisted of 3843 children and adolescents (response rate 91.5%) with mean (SD) age of 12.45 (3.04) years. Totally 49.4% of students were girls and 71.4% lived in urban areas. Three dietary patterns were obtained: Healthy, Western, and Sweet. Prevalence of MetS was 5% (boy 5.5 and girl 4.5%). Results of multivariate analysis show that students with Sweet dietary patterns were at higher risk for abdominal obesity (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.01-1.66), elevated blood pressure (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.01-1.81) and MetS (OR 1.33; 95% CI 1.02-1.74). The two other dietary patterns were not associated with MetS and its components. CONCLUSION: Sweet dietary pattern increase the risk of MetS and some its components in Iranian children and adolescents. This finding provides valuable information for effective preventive strategies of MetS based on diet rather than medication to maintain healthy lifestyle habits.

Association of anthropometric measures and cardio-metabolic risk factors in normal-weight children and adolescents: the CASPIAN-V study.

BACKGROUND: The present study aims to explore the association of anthropometric indices and cardio-metabolic risk factors in normal-weight children and adolescents. METHODS: This cross-sectional nationwide study was conducted in 2015 among 4200 Iranian school students aged 7-18 years. They were selected using a multi-stage cluster random sampling method. Anthropometric indices and cardio-metabolic risk factors including fasting blood glucose (FBG), lipid profile and blood pressure (BP) were measured using standard protocols. RESULTS: The response rate was 91.5%. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) had a significant positive correlation with waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC) and body mass index (BMI) in boys and girls. HDL-C had a significant inverse correlation with WC, HC and BMI in boys. For each unit increase in WC, HC and BMI, the risk of elevated DBP significantly increased by 2%, 1% and 11%, respectively. Likewise, for each unit increase in WC, HC and BMI, the risk of elevated BP significantly raised by 2%, 1% and 10%, respectively. For each unit increase in WC, the risk of metabolic syndrome increased by 7%. CONCLUSIONS: Anthropometric indices are considered an easy, non-invasive tool for the prediction of cardio-metabolic risk factors in normal-weight children and adolescents.

Association of parental obesity with cardiometabolic risk factors in their children: The CASPIAN-V study.

BACKGROUND: The family environment has a crucial role in the development of childhood obesity and related cardiometabolic disorders. This study aims to investigate the association of parental obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors in their children. METHODS: This multicentric cross-sectional study was performed on 14400 students (aged 7-18 years) and one of their parents. Students were recruited by multistage, stratified cluster sampling from urban and rural areas of 30 provinces of Iran. Fasting venous blood was obtained from a random sample of 4200 students. Demographic, anthropometric and clinical variables were collected. RESULTS: Data of 14002 students and results of blood samples of 3483 of them were complete and included in the current study. The prevalence of obesity in children, fathers, and mothers was 11.4%, 10.6%, and 24.2%, respectively. In students, the most commonly observed metabolic abnormality was low HDL-C (29.5%); the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and dyslipidemia was 5% and 55.7%, respectively. Significant correlations were observed between the body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference of parents and weight, height, BMI, and waist circumference, as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) of their children (P< 0.05). In the multivariate model, the risk of excess weight (OR: 1.30, 95%CI: 1.17-1.44), obesity (OR: 1.36, 95%CI: 1.18-1.59), abdominal obesity (OR: 1.16, 95%CI: 1.05-1.29) and elevated BP (OR: 1.17, 95%CI: 1.04-1.31) were higher in those students whose parents had excess weight compared with other students. Parental obesity did not have significant association with metabolic syndrome and dyslipidemia in their children. CONCLUSIONS: Parental history of obesity could be used as a practical approach for the early preventive measures and identification of children at risk of cardiometabolic complications.

Association of alanine aminotransferase concentration with cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents: the CASPIAN-V cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that the levels of some liver enzymes, and especially alanine aminotransferase (ALT), might be correlatable with cardiometabolic risk factors. We investigated the relationship between ALT concentration and cardiometabolic risk factors among children and adolescents. DESIGN AND SETTING: This nationwide study in Iran was conducted within the framework of the fifth survey of a national surveillance program known as the Childhood and Adolescence Surveillance and PreventIon of Adult Non-communicable disease study (CASPIAN-V). METHODS: The participants comprised 4200 students aged 7-18 years, who were recruited through multi-stage random cluster sampling in 30 provinces in Iran. Physical examinations and laboratory tests were conducted in accordance with standard protocols. RESULTS: Overall, 3843 students (participation rate: 91.5%) completed the survey. Mean ALT levels were significantly higher in individuals with dyslipidemia, in terms of elevated total cholesterol (TC) or LDL-cholesterol or triglycerides (TG), excess weight and dyslipidemia. Some cardiometabolic risk factors were associated with higher levels of ALT, with the following odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI):metabolic syndrome (OR: 1.013; 95% CI: 1.001-1.025); elevated TC (OR: 1.060; 95% CI: 1.039-1.081), elevated LDL (OR: 1.031; 95% CI: 1.016-1.046), elevated TG (OR: 1.056; 95% CI: 1.040-1.072) and dyslipidemia (OR: 1.051; 95% CI: 1.034-1.068). CONCLUSION: This large population-based study revealed that some cardiometabolic risk factors were significantly associated with ALT levels. These findings suggest that an association with fatty liver is an underlying mechanism for development of cardiometabolic risk factors.

Metabolic syndrome and associated factors in Iranian children and adolescents: the CASPIAN-V study.

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the common metabolic disorders seen in children and adolescents. This study aims to assess the rate of the MetS and its associated factors in a nationally-representative sample of Iranian pediatric age groups. Methods: This nationwide cross- sectional study was designed in 2015 in 30 provinces of Iran. Participants consisted of 4,200 school students, aged 7-18 years, studied in a national school-based surveillance program (CASPIAN-V). Physical examination and laboratory tests were performed using standard protocols. Blood samples were drawn from 3834 students for biochemical tests. Results: The participation rate for blood sampling was 91.5%. MetS was significantly more prevalent among students in urban than in rural areas (5.7% vs. 4.8%, P value < 0.01). MetS was more prevalent in students with obese parents than in those with non-obese parents (6.4% vs. 4.5%, P value < 0.05). Significant association existed between moderate level of healthy nutritional behaviors and MetS after controlling for potential confounders (odds ratio [OR]: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.40-0.98). Students with high unhealthy nutritional behaviors showed an increased risk of MetS in crude (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.05-2.44) and adjusted model (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.05-2.63). Conclusion: High rate of MetS and associated risk factors was observed in Iranian pediatric age groups, with higher rates among boys. These findings provide useful information for effective preventive strategies based on diet, exercise, and lifestyle modification rather than therapeutic modalities.